Let me tell you about a little spot we found just on the edge of Sooner country. When you’re rolling through central Oklahoma, the sky just feels bigger, the horizons stretch out forever, and finding a decent, no-nonsense dump station can sometimes feel like a real quest. You’re often stuck choosing between a busy, loud travel plaza on the interstate or taking a wild detour into a town you don’t know. That’s where a place like Post Oak RV Park really shines. Tucked away southeast of Norman, this isn’t some massive, corporate-run facility. It’s a smaller, quieter park that offers a welcome break from the highway roar, giving you a straightforward place to empty the black and grey tanks, top off your fresh water, and just generally get your rig reset for the next leg of the journey.
We’ve found that these smaller parks are often the real gems of the road. You’re still just a few minutes from the constant flow of I-35, and Oklahoma City is less than a thirty minute drive away if you need big city supplies. But at the park itself, you can actually hear the birds. You’re not fighting for position with a dozen semi trucks. For us, having that moment of calm while doing the necessary chores makes all the difference. Add in the fact that you’re on the doorstep of Norman, a town that lives and breathes college football, and have Lake Thunderbird’s whole outdoor playground practically in your backyard, and Post Oak easily earns its place on our mental map of reliable stops in this part of the country. It’s the kind of place you appreciate more the longer you’ve been on the road.
The whole area around Norman is a unique blend of that classic collegiate energy and wide open prairie landscape. If you time your visit for the fall, you can’t escape the electric buzz of the University of Oklahoma. The campus is beautiful, with its crimson and cream architecture, and on a game day, the entire town transforms. The Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is a sight to behold, a true cathedral of college football. Even if you’re not there for a game, just driving past gives you a sense of the local pride. But there’s more to Norman than just sports. If you’ve got kids, or just a love for natural history, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is an absolute must-do. It’s a massive place, with exhibits that cover everything from giant dinosaurs that once roamed these plains to fascinating displays about the state’s native cultures. It’s a surprisingly engaging museum that can easily fill an afternoon.
For those of us who travel to get away from the city, the real prize is Lake Thunderbird State Park, which is just a short hop east from Post Oak. This isn’t some tiny little pond; it’s a huge reservoir with plenty of room to roam. The park has over two hundred RV sites, many of which are perfect if you want to spend a few days boondocking or just enjoying the scenery. There are boat ramps, some nice hiking trails that wind along the shore, and the sunsets over the water are truly something special. It’s the perfect place to decompress after a long drive. And if you’re using Post Oak as a basecamp, you’ve got easy day-trip options. You can head up to Oklahoma City to explore the fantastic National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum or wander around the Bricktown Canal district for dinner. It’s a location that gives you options, which is always a plus in the RV life.
Using the dump station at a smaller, mom-and-pop style park like Post Oak is a completely different experience than at a chaotic truck stop. The pace is slower, more relaxed. You’ll likely need to pop into the office to check in, and since it’s a smaller operation, their hours might be more limited. It’s always a good idea to call ahead. Once you’re checked in, you’ll find the dump lane is typically easy to access, designed for the kinds of travel trailers and motorhomes that frequent the park, not for massive commercial trucks. The setup is usually simple: one sewer inlet, a spigot for non-potable rinse water, and a trash bin nearby. It’s the perfect, low-stress environment for newer RVers to practice the dump routine without feeling the pressure of a long line of impatient drivers idling behind them.
This is the place to get your system down. Align your rig so your sewer outlet is just slightly uphill from the drain, if possible. Always, always wear gloves. Dump the black tank first, letting it drain completely. Then, follow with the grey tank. The soapy water from your showers and sinks helps to rinse out your sewer hose. A final quick rinse of the hose and a spritz of disinfectant on the spigot handle and you’re all set. On a weekday morning here, you’ll probably have the place all to yourself, which is a luxury you rarely find on the main travel corridors.
When it comes to amenities, Post Oak covers the essentials for a quick refresh. The availability of potable water is a huge plus, especially if you’ve been dry camping at Lake Thunderbird or another nearby spot. Being able to fill your fresh tank with clean, drinkable water is a fundamental need that not every dump station offers. They also have electric hookups available, so if you need more than just a quick dump, you can pull into a site for a few hours. This is a lifesaver in the hot Oklahoma summer, allowing you to run your air conditioning and keep your batteries topped off while you take care of other chores. The park also provides basic restrooms and showers, which are always a welcome sight after a few days on the road. And having trash disposal right there by the dump pad means you can get rid of your used gloves and any other garbage immediately, keeping your rig clean. For those of us traveling with our furry copilots, the grassy areas provide a much needed and safe spot for a potty break.
What you won’t find here are things like fuel, propane refills, laundry facilities, or repair services. This isn’t a full-service travel center, so you need to plan accordingly. Before you pull in, make sure your propane is topped off and your fuel tank is full. There’s a Love’s Travel Stop right on I-35 that can handle all of those needs if you plan your stop strategically. The key is to see Post Oak for what it is: a great place for the core tasks of dumping tanks and taking on fresh water in a peaceful setting.
The cost is something you’ll need to confirm yourself. At the time we looked, there was no price posted online, which is pretty common for smaller parks. Based on our experience in central Oklahoma, you should probably budget somewhere between ten and twenty dollars for a dump-only visit. But don't take that as gospel. Your best bet is to give the office a call before you even point your rig in their direction. You’ll want to confirm the current fee, find out if they take cash or cards, and most importantly, verify that the dump station is open to non-overnight guests on the day you plan to arrive. It’s a five minute phone call that can save you a whole lot of hassle.
For a smooth visit, a little prep goes a long way. Absolutely call them first, not just for the price but to check the hours, especially if it’s a University of Oklahoma football weekend. The traffic in and around Norman can become an absolute nightmare on game days, and you don’t want to get stuck in it. Arrive with all your gear ready to go: a good 20-foot sewer hose, a clear elbow so you can see when the tank is empty, your trusty nitrile gloves, and a dedicated hose for rinsing. To beat any potential rush, aim for a mid-morning visit between Tuesday and Thursday. That’s usually the sweet spot when the weekenders have cleared out and the next wave hasn’t arrived yet. And if you do happen to find a short line, don’t just sit there. The Little Sandy Trailhead at Lake Thunderbird is only three miles away, perfect for a quick leg-stretch while you wait.
So, what’s the final verdict? Post Oak RV Park is a solid, reliable choice. It offers a relaxed, tree-lined setting to take care of business, just minutes from all the action in Norman and the natural beauty of the lake. With potable water, power options, and pet-friendly grounds, it’s an ideal dump-and-go stop for folks passing through on I-35 or for those camping in the area. Just be a savvy RVer: call ahead to get the current price and confirm the rinse water is on. Do that, and you’ll have a great, stress-free experience.
Norman, OK 73026
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV park
Has Water
